2020 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and reversing, the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11728004

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

108,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while reversing, he became aware that the rear-view camera failed to display an image. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11590241

Incident

May 22, 2024

Mileage

50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front timing cover and found that the part was leaking fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11587722

Incident

Apr 10, 2024

Mileage

88,000 mi

I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the X-REAS suspension system in the Limited Edition 4Runner manufactured by Toyota. Specifically, I am addressing the alarming issue of suspension failure experienced in vehicles at just 45,000 miles, posing significant safety risks to drivers and passengers alike. The X-REAS suspension failure in the Limited Edition 4Runner is not merely an inconvenience; it is a serious safety hazard that puts lives at risk. The abrupt failure of the suspension system at relatively low mileage creates an unpredictable driving experience, jeopardizing the stability and control of the vehicle. This instability can lead to loss of control, especially at high speeds or during emergency maneuvers, resulting in potentially catastrophic accidents. Furthermore, it is deeply troubling to discover that Toyota may have been aware of this issue and yet failed to take proactive measures to address it. The apparent negligence on the part of Toyota in acknowledging and rectifying the problem reflects a blatant disregard for consumer safety. By continuing to produce and sell vehicles equipped with a defective suspension system, Toyota is knowingly putting drivers, passengers, and other road users in harm's way. As a concerned consumer and advocate for road safety, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a thorough investigation into the X-REAS suspension failure in the Limited Edition 4Runner. It is imperative that Toyota be held accountable for its failure to address this issue promptly and effectively. Furthermore, I implore the NHTSA to take decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of all motorists by compelling Toyota to initiate a comprehensive recall and repair program for affected vehicles. Every individual has the right to feel safe and secure while operating a motor vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11580983

Incident

Feb 20, 2024

Similar to NUMEROUS newer ('12+) vehicles, the instrument cluster gauge needles light up even when the headlights are not on. Therefore when driving the vehicle, the driver isn't aware that the headlights are NOT ON at night (and there are no DRL/daytime running lights to warn oncoming drivers), which means that the vehicle is driving at night WITHOUT any lights on. People are going to be killed this way; both the driver and innocent motorists driving near this vehicle. I nearly got in a head-on collision last night because the vehicle headlights weren't on after sundown (but I listed crash, fire, fatalities to get your attention, as I submitted this same issue about 8years ago for a similar incident with a Nissan Leaf that narrowly missed running me over as it was driving without any headlights on/LED gauge cluster was bright enough to see the drivers face, and NOTHING has changed in the auto industry for safety on this widespread issue). How can the automotive industry and NHTSA have let this happen? Instrument cluster gauges should not have ANY backlighting unless the headlight switch is physically activated by the driver. This issue is even worse with the new LED/virtual gauge cluster screens.

NHTSA ID

11553184

Incident

Nov 2, 2023

Took the vehicle in 3/19/2021 @ 6076 Mileage for a steering wheel shake, the dealer has tried numerous times to fix it by trying to balance the tire and rotate the tires, it only masks the problem and the steering wheel shake comes back. The shake can happen at any MPH. I finally took it to another shop called discount tire and dynamic 4x4 alignment. Discount tire said there was coupling in the stock tires Nitto Grappler, so I replaced the tires with Michelin Defenders this only masked the problem. On 9/25/2023 a local Toyota Technician and I took a ride together to see if he could duplicate the problem. At 67 and 68 we were able to duplicate the problem when the steering wheel shook the passenger side of the car shook. The technician and I swapped and I was able to duplicate the problem as well. I was stopped at a red light and took off after the tires were warmed up. When I reached 67 or 68 mph the steering wheel began to shake and he confirm that the vehicle shook too on the passenger side. I have experienced shaking in the steering wheel previously but now its being felt in the vehicle too. Toyota sent out a technician on the last issue and I was told they found something and then I was told there was nothing. Please see notes below as I have documented every occurrence and can provide maintenance documentation too.

NHTSA ID

11546416

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

System malfunction—the ‘brake’ alert flashed and chirped when there was NO obstacle on the road. Safety issue—I was about to hit the brakes but I realized in time there was no need. Confirmed? No not at this time. Possibly have it reviewed at next maintenance. No inspection yet. This has occurred infrequently in the past

NHTSA ID

11533113

Incident

Jul 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine inspection, he was informed that the front coil spring was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that 50% of the cost for the repair would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11532966

Incident

Jun 29, 2023

Mileage

53,000 mi

I have attempted to use the SOS button 4 times in different days and in different locations, only connecting once and the rep. claimed she couldn't hear me that only time I "connected." The system causes premature battery drain (even while the car is off, it draws power) and doesn't work in its intended way as a safety/rescue tool. This is an expensive feature that fails to work while locked in with an inferior cellular service provider through an exclusive contract between Toyota and AT&T.

NHTSA ID

11523940

Incident

May 22, 2023

The car shakes when going at speeds as low as 48 mph and as high as 68 mph that I know of. Typically, it shakes heaviest from the mid-50 mph range to the mid-60 mph range. I rarely Drive the full speed limit for energy conservation reasons, so I cannot tell you how much higher it goes on the range. The car has had the wheels rebalanced three times (installation, upon purchase from the dealer and on a take back to the dealership), the alignment has been checked twice and I have spoken to the tire manufacturer about the tires being the cause of this. I took the tires into an authorized retailer to no avail. With everything checked, including a road force balancing of the tires, my 4Runner still shakes disturbingly. I called a service advisor at another Toyota dealership today (they were not the seller). In describing the problem to him, he cut me off and said it is a known problem. He went on to share that the dealership had been in contact with Toyota Corporate. It is disturbing for me as a driver, my passengers and from an engineering standpoint; shaking can never be good. It could easily cause premature and unnecessary wear to drive, suspension and steering parts. It could lead to a serious and fatal accident over time. The shaking, I imagine, could also lead to a problem in less than ideal driving conditions such as rain, snow or ice as well.

NHTSA ID

11507249

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

Whenever I strap my child into their car seat and tighten down the straps, the straps will not lock into place and I am able to pull them back out with my hands.

NHTSA ID

11499209

Incident

Dec 27, 2022

While driving down a road a mango fruit fell from a tree and hit the front glass causing it to break. The glass also broke toward the inside there were pieces of glass on the dash inside the vehicle. This could of cause me injuries.

NHTSA ID

11480820

Incident

Aug 20, 2022

The sunroof suddenly shattered while driving. The interior glass cracked and rained down on me. The exterior glass cracked. It sounded like a gunshot. It caused cuts, fear from the loud bang and the inability to drive the vehicle out of fear of the remaining glass falling and for protection from rain or other elements

NHTSA ID

11475549

Incident

Jul 23, 2022

Break problem after letting car sit overnight and coming up to a stop sign or anything slowly pedal goes to the floor If you pump tge pedal the brakes will come back and seem to work fine except when sitting In a drive-through line with your foot on the brake pedal it'll slowly lose brake pressure and you'll start creeping forward until the pedal starts going lower and lower And requires excessive pressure to hold vehicle stopped. It doesn't happen all the time but it is fairly consistent. Especially through the drive thru line is when you notice it Took to dealership dealership said there was nothing wrong with it

NHTSA ID

11455732

Incident

Oct 12, 2021

I was driving down the road and heard a Loud bang. When I got home I was looking for the source and there was a big hole in the sunroof from the sunroof shattering. There was no contact from anything the sunroof just shattered on its own.

NHTSA ID

11444957

Incident

Dec 23, 2021

The contact owned a 2020 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the driver who was her father crashed into another vehicle, the air bags failed to deploy. In addition, the contact stated that the braking alert for getting too close to a vehicle failed to illuminate. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the driver sustained two injuries and the contact sustained two injuries. Medical attention was sought. The contact was unaware of the other passengers from the other vehicle sustained any injuries. The vehicle was damaged and towed to a tow lot. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.

NHTSA ID

11440934

Incident

Nov 2, 2021

Mileage

13,000 mi

Thirteen months ago I purchased a 2020 4 Runner from Parker Toyota. Last week my sunroof exploded for no reason, there were no rocks or debri that caused this. This is clearly a manufacturers defect of the glass used. I am thankful I wasn’t covered in shattered glass or worse, cause an accident. The picture shows my shattered sunroof, it has tape holding it together so it didn’t cave in on me.

NHTSA ID

11435369

Incident

Sep 27, 2021

UNKNOWN but not really a "Safety Issue" in the true sense of the meaning. Front Brakes. Loud squeal from brakes under cold climate conditions. Dealership has inspected but nothing found. Mentioned NHTSA # 10190453 & TSB #T-TT-0636-20 REV to the service manager but they stated that there is/was no official "TSB" for brake squeal issue on my vehicle. I believe they were referring to a Toyota "T-SB-#######", rather than the "T-TT-0636-20 REV". I did not get any info from dealership since no official "TSB" is published?

NHTSA ID

11431192

Incident

Dec 1, 2020

Steering wheel shakes at highway speeds (58-64mph). Steering wheel has shaken as much as 1.5 inches back and forth, causing vehicle to shake while driving at high speeds. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and has been in 6 times to try to fix it with no change. The problem started the second week we owned it. It gets progressively worse. Tires can be balanced and it comes right back a few days later. Toyota corporate states that it is a known issue and “is a characteristic of the vehicle” cause by “harmonics.” Tires have been road force balanced, tire/wheels swapped, driven with no drive shaft, driven with computer to turn off torque converter, drive shaft swapped- all with no change. Toyota would not agree to provide loaner car after requesting buyback arbitration. I was told it would take 30-45 days to get arbitration started, and was told to drive the vehicle during that time period. I was told to return loaner and drive 4Runner that was still shaking. I asked dealer to give me something in writing saying that the vehicle was safe and mechanically sound before I left, and they refused.

NHTSA ID

11423369

Incident

Sep 7, 2020

I BOUGHT MY 4RUNNER BRAND NEW LAST YEAR. TO CHANGE THE DIFFERENTIAL FROM H4F TO H4L, I STOP THE CAR AND CHANGE THE SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL POSITION. ONCE IN NEUTRAL POSITION, I CHANGE THE DIFFERENTIAL KNOB H4F TO H4L. THEN I START DRIVING AGAIN. MY EXPECTATION IS THE WHEN SHIFTING THE DIFFERENTIAL FROM H4F TO H4L, THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WILL CHANGE FROM YELLOW TO GREEN JUST LIKE MY PREVIOUS 4RUNNER. BUT THIS MODEL DOES NOT CHANGE FROM YELLOW TO GREEN TO IDENTIFY SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER OF GEAR FROM HIGH TO LOWER GEAR. THE DASHBOARD COLOR STAYS YELLOW. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN DIFFERENTIAL LOCKING MECHANISM OR AT THE VERY LEAST THE LELECTRONICS THAT UPDATES THE DASHBOARD. THE NEW MODELS ALSO HAVE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE ANYTIME YOU SEE A YELLOW LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD, IT IS A WARNING MESSAGE THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG OR WILL BE WRONG IN THE FUTURE. TOYOTA DEALERS SAID THIS IS A STANDARD COLOR BUT I DONT BELIEVE BECAUSE THEIR MANUAL SAYS YELLOW COLOR MEANS WARNING.

NHTSA ID

11405873

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

4,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, WHEN SHE SLID OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES OR SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.

NHTSA ID

11396684

Incident

Feb 14, 2021

Mileage

19,000 mi

ON DECEMBER 8 , 2020, THE ABOVE REFERENCED VEHICLES ENGINE STALLED THREE TIMES WHILE IN DRIVING MODE. ON ALL THREE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SPEED LESS THAN 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER EACH STALL, WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN PARK. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND/OR HAVING FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS. THE FUEL LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE WAS HALF FULL. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE OCTOBER 21, 2020. TODATE, I HAVE EXPERIENCED 5 ENGINE STALLS.THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 28.700 MILES. THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE VEHICLE IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED THE DEALER AS WELL AS BUTLER TOYOTA IN MACON GEORGIA WHO INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE NOT SURE IF THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WITHOUT KEEPING IT FOR WEEKS, POSSIBLY AT MY PERSONAL EXPENSE. I CHOSE NOT TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I WILL RETURN THE CAR TO THE SELLER UNDER THE 90 DAY CERTIFIED WARRANTY AGREEMENT. ALSO, I WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE WHATEVER REMEDY TOYOTA MAY PROVIDE UNDER THE VEHICLES REMAINING WARRANTY. I TRADED A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ON THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION. I AM A VERY DISAPPOINTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER WHO IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION.

NHTSA ID

11382741

Incident

Dec 8, 2020

Mileage

28,700 mi

I WAS IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY

NHTSA ID

11378306

Incident

Dec 7, 2020

Mileage

9,000 mi

THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ON THIS CAR IS DEACTIVATED AUTOMATICALLY WHENEVER THE FRONT PASENGER WEIGHS LESS THAN 100 LBS. WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS FEATURE WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR. MY WIFE, WHO IS 65 YEARS OLD, WEIGHS ABOUT 95 LBS AND WHENEVER SHE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, A WARNING LIGHT APPEARS INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND TOYOTA AND WERE TOLD THAT THIS SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TO AUTOMATICALLY PROTECT SMALLER CHILDREN WHO MAY RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SYSTEM PREVENTS MY WIFE FROM USING WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE AN ESSENTIAL SAFETY FEATURE (THE FRONT AIR BAG). THE NHTSA SHOULD MANDATE THAT MANUFACTURERS PROVIDE US WITH A SWITCH OR A SYSTEM SETTING THAT ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG AND OVERRIDE THIS "CHILD SAFETY FEATURE". IT CERTAINLY IMPACTS MY WIFE'S SAFETY EVRYTIME SHE SITS IN THE "DEATH SEAT".

NHTSA ID

11377866

Incident

Jul 31, 2020

Mileage

3,730 mi

WHILE SLOWLY SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND LOST ALL BRAKING. AS SOON AS PEDAL IS BROUGHT BACK UP AND PUMPED ONCE OR TWICE, BRAKES REGAINED FUNCTION. NO WARNING OR SAFETY LIGHTS WENT OFF. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 DIFFERENT TIMES WITH 2 DIFFERENT DRIVERS.

NHTSA ID

11374875

Incident

Nov 13, 2020

Mileage

5,800 mi